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Council explores PD overlays and blended zoning to encourage more varied neighborhood development
Summary
Staff and councilors discussed revising the planned-development (PD) overlay and using subdivision enhancement overlays or a blended zone with percentage lot mixes to encourage varied housing without a full switch to form‑based code; no ordinance changes were adopted at the meeting.
Dale (staff) and council members discussed zoning tools to better align code with the general plan’s goal of more varied, neighborhood‑scale development. They reviewed the planned‑development (PD) overlay and subdivision enhancement overlays as mechanisms that allow negotiated tradeoffs (such as open space or trails) in exchange for higher or different densities.
Dale described a concept for a blended medium‑density zone that would allow a mix of lot sizes (for example, roughly 30% R-1-7.5, 40% R-1-10 and 30% R-E-12.5) within a single zone so developments could provide a range of home sizes and styles. Councilors noted barriers: the PD overlay has seen no applications in about 20 years under the current ordinance, and Utah’s appraisal practices can make blended neighborhoods harder to market.
Participants urged clearer, marketable options for applicants and earlier outreach so developers understand overlay benefits before filing. Staff and councilors agreed to examine whether the PD overlay language and the subdivision enhancement overlay could be rewritten or promoted to produce better design outcomes without imposing subjective or legally vulnerable requirements.
No vote was taken; staff will return with more concrete draft language and options for council consideration.
